Bm7b5 Piano Chord
A key chord of minor jazz. Naturally occurs as the II degree in minor keys (in ii–V–i progressions). Less tense than the fully diminished seventh chord.
Recommended voicing
Bb3 · C#4 · E4 · Ab4
With bass · rootless
Left hand
E3 · Ab3 · C#4
fingers 5–3–1
Right hand
Free
melody / improvisation
Jazz accompaniment with a bass player: the bass supplies the root, leaving the right hand free for melody or improvisation.
Notation for Bm7b5 chord
Other names: B minor 7th flat 5, B half-diminished, Bø7, B m7♭5
Music theory name: half-diminished seventh chord
Common name: B half-diminished chord
Intervals and tones in Bm7b5 chord
| Note | Interval |
|---|---|
| B | Root |
| C# | Minor 3rd |
| E | Diminished 5th |
| Ab | Minor 7th |
Inversions
1st inversion
C#4 · E4 · Ab4 · Bb4
2nd inversion
E4 · Ab4 · Bb4 · C#5